Bite Me! CD Reviews S - Z

Sadaharu – The Politics of Dancing (Ci Records) 1/2

Sadaharu is a ballsy punk ‘n’ roll outfit that meshes Jane’s Addiction’s attitude with Queens Of The Stone Age’s progressive edge.  The band also shares a sonic affinity with Snapcase.  In fact, Sadaharu has a knack for blending a number of elements from different genres, which creates a variety of moods on the album.  The Politics of Dancing is a frantic mix of post hardcore jazz tunes that are brash, bold, raw, and completely unconventional.  The lead track greats you with a barrage of frantic riffing and noisy grooves.  The bands psychosis emerges on “The Haven You Seek Is Your Own”.  “In The Dark All Cats Are Grey” has a good kick, and “Deconstructionist Approach to Popular Culture” pretty much sums it all up.  -NIN

S’cool Girls (Intravenous/Aeronaut) 3/4

Here’s another band with a niche following that I just don’t get.  It appears that nostalgia is also currently in and S’cool Girls are full of it.  If this was a comedy album it would score much higher because the “Ooweeooo” chorus on “Rock ‘n’ Roll Discotek” and the high-pitched falsetto on “Put Up Or Shut Up” rate high on the laugh-o-meter.  On their self-titled effort the over-the-top flamboyant foursome deliver their neo-glitter sound with swagger.  Musically, there is promise, and you also have to appreciate their individuality.   But hey, what da hell do I know.  Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols loves the S’cool Girls, and the Teen Beat crowd probably does too.  -NIN

Spit Habit – Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is (Double Zero Records)

This three-piece unit from Chicago dishes up a hefty dose of expertly crafted bubble-pop with a heavy edge.  The band’s power-pop tunes are fun-loving and carefree and fall under the guilty pleasure category.  Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is is saturated in candy-coated harmonies and crunchy power chords and each song sports an imaginative hook and a bold sing-a-long chorus.  Thankfully, after about the third track the sweetness mellows out before the listener slips into a diabetic shock.  “I Want To Be A Rebel,” “One Hundred Dollar Guarantee,” and “Higher Mathematics” are some of the album’s highlights.  However, the sugar high ends with the band’s cover of “Maneater,” which, in my opinion, was not a good song to begin with.  -NIN

Stereotyperider – Prolong The Inevitable (Suburban Home Records) 3/4

Stereotyperider’s Prolong The Inevitable is an intensely powerful disc filled with explosive hardcore musings.  Formed from the ashes of Adam’s Alcoholics and Mandingo, this Phoenix based outfit’s songs walk a thin line between melody and aggression.  On their third full-length, Prolonging The Inevitable, the band continues to refine their trademark sound.  A commendable cohesiveness is achieved on the smashing “I Own a King”.  The heavy hitting “Darkest Bruise” alerts the listener that the guitars are the driving force behind this band.  However, the rhythm section does a fine job of holding their own ground, and the vocals are the perfect catalyst between the two.  Together the unit offers plenty of hooks to grasp your teeth into.  Stereotyperider will undoubtedly appeal to fans of the emo, punk, hardcore, and even pop genre.  There’s a little something for everyone.  -NIN

Stiff Little Fingers – Guitar & Drum (Kung Fu Records) ½ 

It’s hard to believe that after something like 25 years, Stiff Little Fingers is still rocking like youngsters.  Trotting out the signature SLF sound for the millennium, they tear through 14 songs on their new disc Guitar & Drum.  Rock on.  -J

Slapshot - Tear It Down (Thorp Records)

First off, with a hockey name and hockey based photos I'm highly upset that this group doesn't sing one damn song about hockey.  I mean, this year has sucked for me as a hockey fan.  I've gotten no games whatsoever, players defecting to other countries just to play, and a whole SEASON being cancelled, which is threatening to bring down a league that was going poor anyway because nobody wants to watch it.  So, hear comes this shit-ass punk band from Boston who have been around 20 years and I'd never even HEARD about them until I got this release and they have the balls to throw so much hockey images in my face and not write one fuckin' song about hockey!?!  How could they expect me to write a good review with that pedigree?  On a side note: they're easy to make fun of because they have a song called "Fuck New York," and on their industry sales sheet they list New York as one of the band's "Key Markets".  Way to treat your fans guys!  Fuck 'em.  -Repojay

Society 1 - The Sound That Ends Creation (Sampler) (Earache Records)

The sludge metal factor on Society 1 gets ramped up, but it's not too dirty.  The biggest problem with deep gutteral metal is that often the songwriting makes it difficult to really have one song stand out from another.  Society 1, judging from their 5 track sampler of their new record, avoids this by writing actual songs.  They mine great death metal signature pieces like denouncing Jesus and graphically dead girlfriends, but it's done in such a way that it actually sounds new and refreshing. This is no mean feat, as we're now going on 30 years of black leather-clad men busting out the same deranged male fantasies.  They get bonus points just for that, but then when you add the fact that it's listenable more than once AND distinct, it becomes a keeper.  -Repojay

Subseven – Free To Conquer (Flicker Records) 1/2

Oklahoma’s Subseven are a zealous bunch.  Their recent effort, Free To Conquer, is marked by heartfelt emotional lyrics that are delivered with a passion so deep it hurts.  But that’s not all.  On occasion, raw vocals ride alongside hard-hitting guitar riffs, which bring a more aggressive feel to this record.  The end result is a genuine screamo/emo record that the college kids can claim as their own.  Standouts: “Hold On,” “Blinking Lights,” and “Vampire”. -NIN

Supagroup – Rules (Foodchain Records) 1/2

Damn this album is smoking hot!  On Rules, hard rock’s party mongers, Supagroup, deliver their bombastic rock n’ roll revivalism with a ballsy passion and fiery focus.  This sophomore effort, which falls into the straight-up trashy rock category, is harder and tighter than it predecessor, yet still manages to capture that larger than life sound.  These over-the-top anthems mix the classic blues rock of Aerosmith with the guitar ferocity of AC/DC and Van Halen’s over-the-top attitude.  There’s plenty of smoking riffs, screaming solos, and shout-out-loud choruses to be found in these adrenaline pumped tunes, which are inspired by New Orleans’ party attitude.  Rules is a raucous disc that captures the raw vibe of Supagroup jamming in the rehearsal studio, which is especially evident in “Hot Times,” in which the band can be heard arguing over beer. (Imagine that)  Supagroup is so good that they turned down three label deals because they were unwilling to compromise their beliefs and sound.  Now that’s what I call rock ‘n’ roll.  All in all, Rules offers plenty of party music for those who know how to party.  This album is pure unadulterated super-charged stadium rock at its finest.   -NIN

Sybreed – Slave Design (Reality Entertainment) 1/4

If you’re mourning the loss of Fear Factory as we knew it.  Never fear.…Sybreed has come to fill the void.  On Slave Design, Sybreed dispenses ten solid tons of bone crunching metal with a tight industrial backbone.  Think Meshuggah meets Fear Factory.  Each track pairs crushing guitars with pounding electronics and apocalyptic lyrics.  With an album this strong there’s no doubt that Sybreed is going to give the new Fear Factory a run for their money.  These boys waste no time getting down to business.  Slave Design is a solid release that will make your ears bleed and your skull pulse.  -NIN

Thine Eyes Bleed - In The Wake Of Separation (The End Records )

As more and more artists embrace metalcore, it's becoming harder and harder to distinguish yourself from the pack.  Despite the fact that you can't even read the band's name on the album cover, Canada's Thine Eyes Bleed is actually pretty good - with great aggressive playing that doesn't overstay its welcome.  But, this whole "distinguish yourself" thing sticks in my craw when I look at their indecipherable logo that contains an obscene amount of line flourishes and attempted olde English.  A logo needs to be drawn on a notebook, seen on a T-shirt, and be strong enough to be recognizable in a record store.  This band has none of that, and despite their solid music it could, in fact, lead to their demise.  However, maybe in this world of iTunes, where logos are almost unnecessary as every listing is a dry catalog line in the same font, this won't affect them.  But like people crying for old school days of vinyl, I cry for old school days of logos where every letter is angled like German soldiers and every umlaut is perfectly crafted.  This made bands fun and made you a fan.  No one, and I mean no one, can recreate this logo without some intricate tracing paper and that alone will prevent them from growing ever bigger.  -Repojay

Thousand Foot Krutch – Phenomenon (Tooth & Nail)

It took me awhile to figure out that Tooth & Nail was a Christian label, but that’s okay.  However, I’ll have to draw the line when Brian ‘Head’ Welch starts sending BiteMe! CDs to review.  That said, Thousand Foot Krutch is here to dispel the myth that Christian bands can’t rawk.  Let me tell ya, the Toronto based three piece rawk like a mother on Phenomenon.  However, in all honesty, there is nothing too extraordinary here.  The band is at its best when they get bold and break away from the standard modern rock fare as seen in “Phenomen,” “Rawkfist,” and “New Design”.  “Bounce” displays a good level of versatility and “Ordinary” is another eye opener.  Thousand Foot Krutch’s sound teeters on the border of rap rock and alt rock.  I personally prefer the meatier rap rock tunes over the more balladesque rockers.  However, on a whole, the grooves pack a lot of punch.  Creed may have let Jesus down, but TFK continue to carry the torch proudly.  -NIN

Toast - All In (Pro Music Records)

It's easy to see why Stacy Heydon, half duo of Toast, is well respected in the industry.  His guitar playing and production skills make Toast an interesting, eclectic listen with songs that sound very deep in a myriad of rock genres without laying claim to anyone or keeping you bored.  Presumably, the same can't be said for the duo's other half, Gordy Price.  There are also elements throughout the process that just drag the whole project down, most notably vocals that sound like they were recorded at a different speed than everything else.  This unease of two creative people not quite gelling together makes Toast sounds promising, but ultimately a little burnt.  Would bands stop making names that make these puns so easy?  -Repojay

U2 – How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb (Interscope) 3/4

Let’ face it.  By now, U2 have given up on trying to be cool hipsters and have turned their focus back to what they do best - writing good quality music.  And, while How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb isn’t as monumental as ‘All That You Can’t Leave Behind’ (which was right for the moment) it’s still a great album with lots of heart and soul.  How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb starts out strong with the dangerously infectious “Vertigo” and then the mood changes and the album shifts gears as the band segues into more spiritually moving tracks that incite you to ponder death, birth, a higher power, love, war, and peace.  The Edge’s trademark riff brings a warm familiar tone to “Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own.”.  The bluesy and soulful “Love And Peace Or Else” will get you moving with its swanky vibe and finger snapping beats.  The fell-good vibe continues with “City Of Blinding Lights” and “All Because Of You”.  All in all, How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb is another brilliant effort that brims with U2’s old-school fervor.  -NIN

Umbrellas (The Mafia Group)

Does the music world need another middle of the road Adult Contemporary Artist?  I don't thinks so, but the Umbrellas are every bit as competitive as the next. Vocalist & songwriter Scott Windsor offers up a batch of solid songs that are easy to listen to, well crafted, and supply a consistent mood throughout.  That doesn't sound all that lip smacking though, does it?  The Umbrellas effort is too safe - not edgy & moody enough to differentiate it from the pack.  It comes off sounding like the next Sarah McLachlan release.  Though it is amazing how Windsor's voice sounds entirely feminine.  I suggest the band work on a plan to keep the Garbage lawyers from taking notice.  -Brad LaVarnway

Unwritten Law – Here’s To The Mourning (Lava) 3/4

The D& B “Intro” track has you wondering if Unwritten Law has shifted gears entirely, but soon enough the wicked guitars of “Get Up” kick in and you’re assured that Unwritten Law are back to kick some serious ass.  True to form, Here’s To The Mourning revels in tales of debauchery, abuse, and breakups.  These hook-laden tunes dish up plenty of hard-driving beats and raging melodies.  The San Diego punk vets have a knack for writing great songs and their talent shines all the way from the infectious “I Like The Way,” & “She Said” to the thumpin’ “Celebration Song” and the balls out rocker “F.I.G.H.T.”  The hidden track is a potent punk rock piece that brings this cohesive effort to a powerful end.   -NIN

The Vanished - Favorite Scar (Kirtland Records)

Do you remember the Toadies?  They were a band from Dallas, TX that rode the alt-rock heyday in the mid-90s to become a faceless one-hit wonder that has essentially banished them to obscurity.  Flash forward ten years and now we have The Vanished, an equally bland group from Dallas, TX that have a polished enough sheen that they will likely have one big radio hit before they too fall back into obscurity.  I avoid any puns of their name in relation to my thoughts above simply because it's too easy.  -Repojay

Various – Axis of Justice: Concert Series Vol 1 (Serjical Strike/Columbia) 3/4

In case you don’t know, Axis of Justice Radio Network is a monthly program on KPFK that features rebel music and political talk hosted by Tom Morello (Audio Slave) & Serj Tankian (System of a Down).  Axis of Justice—a non-profit organization founded by Tom & Serj—brings musicians and fans together in order to raise awareness and support for important issues and social justice.  The Axis of Justice concerts featured an array of high profile artists who collaborated on a number of originals and covers.  And, while the covers sound promising some are anything but.  For Instance U2’s “Where The Streets Have No Name” (featuring Maynard James Keenan, Pete Yorn, Tom Morello, Flea, Johnny Polonski, & Brad Wilk) leaves little to be desired, especially in the vocal department!  Funkadelic’s “Alice in My Fantasies” is a bit better.  Thankfully, Jurassic 5 spice things up with “What’s Golden” and “Freedom” and Yorn’s version of Junior Kimbrough’s “I Feel Good Again” isn’t half bad.  Overall, Axis of Justice: Concert Series Vol 1 is hit or miss.  At least their hearts are in the right place.  However, if putting a visual to the performances helps then you might want to check out the DVD version.  -NIN

Various: Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (Rockstar Games / Interscope) 1/2

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is by far the coolest in the series, and the music in the game itself is also pretty damn sweet.  Much like the radio stations in the game there is a little bit of something here for everyone.  In case you don’t have the game yet, the double CD set includes a bonus DVD that contains “The Introduction,” which basically lays the foundation for ‘San Andreas’.  Set in So Cal in the early 1990’s the soundtrack spans the spectrum from gangsta rap, grunge, classic soul, reggae, classic rock, classic hip-hop, and country.  This eclectic soundtrack features the likes of Public Enemy, 2 PAC, Cypress Hill, & Slick Rick, in addition to Rage Against The Machine and Faith No More.  And, for those who are not prone to road rage, the folks at Interscope even threw in a little Willie Nelson, Heart, & Eddie Murphy for your listening pleasure.  However, the jury’s still out on AFI’s cover of “Head Like A Hole” (You be the judge).  If you’re a real die hard GTA fanatic you’ll probably want to pick up the 8 CD box set, which allows you to re-create the experience of listening to the individual stations in the game, which features over 150 songs.  Pretty damn impressive if you ask me.  -NIN

Various - House of Wax – Soundtrack

This disc features cutting edge tracks from The Prodigy, My Chemical Romace, Marilyn Manson, and Disturbed to name a few.  The soundtrack to this horror flick starts out with a blistering new tune by The Prodigy titled “Spitfire”.  My Chemical Romance follow the electronic punk beats with their powerhouse of a tune called “I Never Told You What I do For a Living.”  Marilyn Manson’s “Dried up Tied and Dead to the World” is very fitting don’t you think?  Kudos to Maverick for including a Joy Division song on here.  It’s about time that a new generation discovers this innovative group.  -NIN

Various: LA’s Rising Scene 2004 – Vol 1 (Intravenous Records)

Truth be told, for the most past, compilations featuring local talent usually rate a 4 out of 10.  However, Intravenous Records’ Rising Scene ranks a bit higher.  Intravenous dug deep beneath the grit and grime of L.A.’s underground and was successful in uncovering some bands with actual talent.  A few of the highlight’s from LA’s Rising Scene are the  retro stylings of The Local Division, the Bowie inspired “Hateful” by Dave Lachance, the mod-esque sounds of  Helen Stellar, the ultra glam bam of S’cool Girls, and the vibrant anthem “No Compromise” by Minutes Till Midnight.  -NIN

Various - Punx Unite – Leaders of Today (Side One Dummy / Charged Records)

L.A.’s Side One Dummy has united with Charged Records—a New York label run by members of The Casualties—to expose punk aficionados to the best in the underground hardcore scene via Punx Unite.  This mighty little disc features 32 hardcore punk acts that represent the biggest and brightest bands in the current street punk movement.  The fold out insert features pictures of the bands as well as their URL.  Slip this puppy in and enjoy the thrashing sounds of The Abuse, Cheap Sex, Monster Squad, The Casualties, and much more.  If you think punk is Simple Plan and Avril Lavigne, then this isn’t for you.  If you want an education then pick this up.  And, if I may quote the CD insert “We’re not fake and we write our own music.  Like all good punk should be.”  Don’t accept any imitations.  Be aware of your scene people and check out what the new breed of punk has to offer.   -NIN

Waterproof Blonde - The Morning After The Night Before (Crash Avenue Entertainment)

The debut of Waterproof Blonde is generically melodic.  The female fronted vocalist immediately brings to mind mid-90s alt-rockers such as Veruca Salt and Letters To Cleo.  But, the quartet offers nothing new that makes you wanna ditch those records and replace them with this one.  And, quite frankly, I already tried ditching those records, but I couldn't even get a buck for them at the used CD store.  Apparently, everyone's trying to ditch those records.  What, people don't care about the mid-90s female rock vocalist explosion?  If so, would they care about a mid-00's revival by this group?  If you do, you'll likely be pleasantly satisfied.  –Repojay

Watershed - The Fifth Of July (Idol Records)

It's been so long since I've heard an amazing record from start to finish (and even longer since the Bite Me chicks GAVE me a good record) that I can't remember if I rate albums on a 4 star or 5 star basis. (Hey, you should hear some of the crap that we get baby. – BM) So hell, I'll give them 5 stars because if I was rating on 4 stars I'd likely give them the extra star for being that good.  The Columbus-based group writes power pop so solid that each song is a winner.  A joy from start to finish, this is the way songwriting should sound and great guitar power pop should be.  It never outstays its welcome (only 32 minutes) and produces sing-along perfection that just has to make you smile.  It won't suit you metalheads out there, but it will certainly make Buffalo Tom and Soul Asylum fans ecstatic.  Count me as one of those.  -Repojay

Wednesday 13 – Transylvania 90210: Songs of Death, Dying, and the Dead (RoadRunner)

Wednesday 13 is the Murderdolls’ equally wicked offspring.  Same vibe, same singer, same wicked tunes.  This ultra shock rock outfit is fronted by Murderdolls’ vocalist Wednesday 13.  The songs are catchy and feature the most entertaining lyrics.  The first track “Look What The Bats Dragged In” pokes fun at Poison’s “Look What The Cat Dragged In”.  This album is refreshing and outrageous and features morbidly amusing titles such as “It Would Be Great If You Jumped In A Lake”.  The Mansonesque “Elect Death for President” is another crowd pleaser, as is the punk-pop riffs of “I Walked with a Zombie”.  The album closes with a haunting, piano-based ditty titled “A Bullet Named Christ”.  Transylvania 90210 is definitely a guilty pleasure.  This ass kickin’ disc will appeal to fans of metal, punk, and horror flicks.  If you dug the Murderdolls you’ll love Wednesday 13.  -NIN

Yellow Second – Altitude (Flood Gate Records) 3/4

Comprised of former members of Five Iron Frenzy and The Rocket Summer, Yellow Second has been tearing up the Denver, Colorado scene with their radio friendly brand of indie pop rock.  Their songs are catchy and have been produced to near perfection.  Highlights: “I Can Awake” and “Fall Out of Line”.  Fountains of Wayne fans will dig this.  -NIN